Application tips

The Tasmanian State Service (TSS) values the leadership, resilience, and teamwork Veterans bring from their military service. Your unique skills and experiences are highly regarded and align with the responsibilities of roles across the State Service.

Preparing a strong job application is an important step toward securing your next role. Here are some key tips to guide you through the process:

Preparing your resume

• Keep it updated: Ensure your resume reflects your most recent experiences and accomplishments.
• Learn from others: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if you can review their resumes to get ideas for formatting and how to articulate your skills and experiences.
• Highlight transferable skills: Focus on skills gained through your Defence experience, volunteering, or community involvement, such as:
  • Teamwork: Have you contributed to a project or been part of a committee?
  • Reliability: Can you provide examples of showing up consistently for a role or commitment?
  • Critical thinking: Have you been able to think creatively or solve complex problems?
  • Communication: Do you excel in listening and articulating your ideas?
  • Adaptability: Have you adjusted to new environments or challenges?
  • Resilience: Can you demonstrate how you’ve bounced back from setbacks?
• Use the DVA Core Skills Identifier: This tool helps Veterans identify transferable skills gained during their service. Visit the Veteran Employment Program Core Skills Identifier to gain insights into how your skills align with civilian roles.
• Tailor your resume: Adapt descriptions of your experience to align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.
• Proofread: Ask trusted friends or mentors to review your resume for typos and errors.
• Be concise: Aim for a resume no longer than two pages, using clear and concise language. Include page numbers and your name on every page.
• There are many websites that offer free, customisable resume and application letter templates to help you create professional job applications. Break O'Day Employment Connect is one resource. Visit their website for more information and to access templates you can easily edit to suit your needs.

Short-form applications

The Tasmanian Government is transitioning toward short-form applications, which aim to simplify the process for applicants. Here’s what you need to know:

• Keep it brief: Short-form applications focus on concise responses that directly address the job’s core requirements.
• Targeted content: Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences without extensive narrative.
• Tailor your approach: Carefully read the job advertisement and adapt your application to meet its specific demands.
• Selection criteria integration: In some cases, selection criteria may be embedded into the short-form process. This may require you to briefly weave your responses into your application.
• Ask questions: If you are unsure about what is required, reach out to the contact person listed in the job advertisement for clarification.

Addressing selection criteria

• Understand the criteria: If a selection criterion is unclear, contact the job’s contact person for clarification. Breaking down key terms can also help.
• Follow instructions: Adhere to word limits and formatting requirements in the job advertisement. Ensure all criteria are addressed thoroughly.
• Use the STAR method: The STAR model is the preferred way of presenting information, both in your written application and interviews.
  • S – Situation – Set the context by describing the circumstance where you used the skills or qualities and gained the experience.
  • T – Task - What was your role?  Focus on your role and what you did, not what your team did.
  • A – Actions – What did you do and how did you do it? What hurdles did you overcome? Again, remember to focus on you, not your team.
  • R – Results – What did you achieve? What was the result and how does it relate to the position you are applying for?

Finding a referee

• Choose wisely: Referees should be able to speak to your skills, experience, and potential for growth. Ideally, one should be a current or former manager.
• Prepare your referees: Inform them about the job you’re applying for and share your resume and application materials.
• Confirm details: Ensure their contact information is accurate and that they’ve agreed to provide a reference.

Translating Defence experience into civilian terms

Veterans often possess highly specialised skills, but these may not always be immediately understood by civilian employers. Using tools and guides to translate Defence experience into civilian terms can make your application stronger. Resources such as the Veteran Employment Program Core Skills Identifier and employment support organisations offer valuable assistance in reframing military roles, technical expertise, and leadership experience in a way that aligns with civilian job descriptions. Here’s how to make the most of these resources:

• Use structured tools: The Veteran Employment Program Core Skills Identifier is a great starting point to map your military skills to civilian competencies.
• Reframe technical language: Replace Defence-specific terms with industry-standard civilian terminology. For example, instead of "platoon leader," use "team manager." See our Australian Defence Terminology vs Civilian Terminology page for more examples.
• Focus on soft skills: Highlight qualities such as leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability—these are universally valued.
• Seek professional help: Many Veteran employment programs offer workshops or one-on-one coaching to help translate your experience effectively.
• Review examples: Look at sample resumes or case studies from other veterans to see how they’ve successfully transitioned their military experience into civilian contexts.